Networking While Investing Remotely?

[Kevin Staley]

Hello BiggerPockets,

I'm a newer investor and I'm trying to figure out which strategy is right for me. I'd like to start my business in my State, however, because I work for the State in a capacity that influences housing policy, there are a lot of Conflict-of-Interest laws that I would have to navigate. I'm considering avoiding the headache and investing remotely. 

My question is this: How do Remote Investors network or begin providing value in a space they are not physically in all the time? It's easy enough to go to REI Clubs in your home market, but if you cannot attend these clubs, what strategies have you found that create good remote relationships with agents, managers, fellow investors, etc.?

Thank you for your help!